How to Stop a Back Spasm

A back spasm, or a muscle spasm that occurs in any region of the back, is a painful tightening of the muscle. Back spasms are primarily caused by one of three reasons: injury, aging, or oxygen deprivation (when the oxygen supply in our nerves is reduced). You cannot stop a back spasm while it is happening; however, you can take various measures to stop them from reoccurring in the future. Follow these steps to stop back spasms before they even start.

Things You'll Need

• Heating Pad
• Ice
• OTC Treatments

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Instructions

Stopping Back Spasms

• 1

  Stretch the back properly every day. Stretches to prevent back spasms are usually recommended on an individual basis, according to where the pain exists most. Water therapy (pool and jacuzzi stretches) may also decrease pain and stop back spasms from returning.

• 2

  Apply ice and heat to the most sensitive areas on the back. Heat increases the circulation before any strenuous activity; thus, it is an effective method of preventing spasms. Apply ice when the injury first occurs to reduce swelling and inflammation of the muscles.

• 3

  Rest your back muscles. If you are having frequent spasms, decrease the amount of strenuous activity until the muscle spasms go away. In order to stop spasms from happening frequently, be sure that you are giving yourself adequate rest in between your exercise regimen.

• 4

  Take over-the-counter treatments to reduce the pain. Stopping a muscle spasm in its tracks cannot happen; however, taking treatments can certainly reduce the pain of a back spasm.

• 5

  Allow the pain to pass. Back spasms are painful, but you must be patient and give them time to pass. Sometimes, pain will last for a few hours, while other in other instances, pain may last for a few weeks. Keeping a positive outlook and being patient is key in overcoming pain from back spasms.